Grip

Objective: Hold the cue with relaxed, correct rear-hand pressure.

Why it matters: A grip that's too tight kills the natural pendulum swing of the cue arm and causes steering; too loose loses control at contact.

Watch: Video demonstrating relaxed grip pressure and hand position on the cue butt.

Learn: Guide on grip pressure (light, adjustable through the stroke), hand placement, and thumb/finger position.

See it: Diagram of correct hand position on the cue butt.

Practise: Take 15 practice strokes focusing purely on keeping grip pressure light and consistent through the swing.

Test yourself: n/a

Challenge: Play a full practice session consciously checking grip tension between shots.

Common mistakes: Gripping tightly under pressure, which tightens the whole arm and causes jabbed or steered strokes.

Coaching cue: Hold it like a bird — firm enough it can't fly off, gentle enough you don't crush it.

Completion criteria: Coach or partner confirms grip stays visibly relaxed through a full practice session.